Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope and the like that prevents crosstalk between multiple light-emitting units. The endoscope comprises an observation window disposed at the front end of an insertion portion and an illumination unit that illuminates the field of view of the observation window. The illumination unit comprises a first light-emitting unit (519) that emits broadband light and a second light-emitting unit (529) that is disposed closer to the front end than the first light-emitting unit (519) and emits narrowband light. The first light-emitting unit (519) comprises a light-emitting element and a phosphor-containing resin that covers the light-emitting element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope has been proposed in which white light emitting units and narrow-band light emitting units are alternately arranged on a circumference (Patent Document 1). The white light emitting units are used for illumination during observation with ordinary light, while the narrow-band light emitting units are used for illumination during observation with special light.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-74034 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] A white light-emitting section can be achieved by combining, for example, a blue light-emitting element with a phosphor that emits yellow light when excited by blue light. When light emitted from a narrowband light-emitting section strikes the phosphor in the white light-emitting section, the white light-emitting section may emit light when it should be in a non-emitting state, a phenomenon known as crosstalk. This crosstalk-induced emission can adversely affect the color tone of endoscopic images.

[0008] On one hand, the present invention is directed to providing an endoscope or the like that prevents crosstalk between a plurality of light-emitting units.

[0009] Technical solutions to problems

[0010] The endoscope includes an observation window arranged at the front end of the insertion part and an illumination unit for illuminating the field of view of the observation window. The illumination unit includes a first light-emitting unit that emits broadband light and a second light-emitting unit that is arranged closer to the front end than the first light-emitting unit and emits narrowband light.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] On the one hand, the present invention can provide an endoscope or the like that prevents crosstalk between a plurality of light emitting units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 II arrow view in .

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III arrow view in .

[0016] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 Partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line IV-IV.

[0017] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line VV.

[0018] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line VI-VI.

[0019] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line VII-VII.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an endoscope lighting substrate.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a front view of an endoscope lighting substrate.

[0022] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the lighting substrate for an endoscope taken along line XX.

[0023] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope lighting substrate taken along line XI-XI.

[0024] Figure 12 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope lighting substrate taken along line XII-XII.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] [Implementation Method 1]

[0030] Figure 1This is an external view of an endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 of this embodiment is a flexible endoscope for use in the digestive tract. The endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion 14, an operating portion 20, a universal cord 25, and a connector 24. The operating portion 20 includes a bending knob 21 and a channel entrance 22.

[0031] The insertion portion 14 is elongated, and one end is connected to the operation portion 20 via the bending stop 16. The insertion portion 14 has a flexible portion 11, a bending portion 12, and a front end 13 in this order from the operation portion 20 side. The bending portion 12 bends as the bending knob 21 is operated.

[0032] A channel 15 is provided that passes through the insertion portion 14 from the channel entrance 22 to the distal end portion 13. A forceps plug 23 having an insertion port for inserting a treatment tool or the like is attached to the channel entrance 22.

[0033] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 14 is referred to as the insertion direction. Likewise, the side closer to the operation portion 20 along the insertion direction is referred to as the operation portion side, and the side farther from the operation portion 20 is referred to as the front end side.

[0034] The universal cord 25 is elongated, with a first end connected to the operating unit 20 and a second end connected to the connector unit 24. The connector unit 24 is covered by a substantially rectangular parallelepiped connector housing 26. A scope connector 27 protrudes from one surface of the connector housing 26. The connector unit 24 is connected to an endoscope processor, etc. (not shown).

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 II arrow view in . Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III arrow view in . Figure 2 The end face of the insertion portion 14 is shown as viewed from the front. Figure 3 The side surface of the front end portion 13 is shown.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the observation window 36 is arranged in the central axial direction of the insertion portion 14. Figure 2 At the position offset above. Figure 3 As shown, the observation window 36 is dome-shaped. An annular lighting window 39 is arranged to surround the observation window 36. The details of the lighting window 39 will be described later.

[0037] exist Figure 2 An air and water supply nozzle 37 is disposed at the lower right side of the middle observation window 36, with its outlet facing the observation window 36. A channel outlet 152 and a front water supply hole 38 are disposed at the lower left side of the observation window 36, respectively.

[0038] also, Figure 2 This is only an example of the appearance of the end face of the front end portion 13, and the configuration of each component is not limited to Figure 2 For example, an independent air supply nozzle and water supply nozzle may be provided instead of the air and water supply nozzle 37 .

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the front end portion 13 has a first frame 31 and a second frame 32 from the front end side. The first frame 31 is Figure 3 The lower half of the middle portion, i.e., the portion where the air and water supply nozzles 37, the channel outlet 152 and the front water supply hole 38 are provided, is roughly a conical surface.

[0040] The first frame 31 is Figure 3 The upper side of the second frame 32 has a protrusion 311 that protrudes toward the operating unit. The portion of the front end of the second frame 32 corresponding to the protrusion 311 is recessed toward the operating unit. The protrusion 311 engages with the recessed portion of the second frame 32, thereby limiting the angle between the first frame 31 and the second frame 32 in the rotational direction.

[0041] The fourth frame 34 is fixed to the operating portion side of the second frame 32. Figure 3 The bending piece 122 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. The operation portion side portion of the second frame 32 and the bending piece 122 are covered by the bending rubber 121.

[0042] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line IV-IV. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line VV. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 VI-VI line is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 . Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line VII-VII. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, the bending block 122 and the bending rubber 121 are omitted.

[0043] The first frame 31, the second frame 32 and the fourth frame 34 are cylindrical. The cylindrical third frame 33 is accommodated inside the first frame 31 and the second frame 32. The third frame 33 is a stepped cylindrical shape with a thick front end and a thin operation portion. Figure 7 As shown, the cross section of the third frame 33 is circular on the outside and rectangular on the inside. The size of the inner rectangle is substantially the same along the entire length of the third frame 33.

[0044] The annular endoscope lighting substrate 41 is arranged on the front end surface of the third frame 33. Figure 6As shown, the first light emitting unit 519 and the second light emitting unit 529 emitting illumination light are arranged around the side surface of the front end of the endoscope illumination substrate 41. The second light emitting unit 529 includes a green light emitting element 521 (refer to FIG. Figure 9 ) and purple light emitting element 522 (reference Figure 9 The first light emitting unit 519 and the second light emitting unit 529 are examples of lighting units that illuminate the viewing direction of this embodiment.

[0045] The structural details of the endoscope lighting substrate 41 will be described later. Figure 9 ), green light emitting element 521 and purple light emitting element 522, are only recorded as light emitting element 50 (reference Figure 9 ).

[0046] The first frame 31 is made of a light-transmitting resin and is used to transmit the light emitted from the light-emitting element 50. Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the first frame 31 facing the light emitting element 50 is recessed into a U-shaped groove to form a concave lens. Due to the effect of the concave lens and the side of the light emitting element 50 is not covered by the second layer 62 (refer to FIG. Figure 8 ) coverage effect, such as Figure 5 As shown in center A, the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 illuminates a wide range from the front to the side of the insertion portion 14 .

[0047] The portion of the first frame 31 that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting element 50 functions as the illumination window 39. The front end of the first frame 31 can be formed of a translucent resin, while the remaining portion can be formed of an opaque resin. Alternatively, the front end of the first frame 31 can be formed of any translucent material, such as a translucent resin or translucent ceramic, while the remaining portion can be formed of any material, such as resin, metal, or ceramic.

[0048] The cylindrical fifth frame 35 is inserted into the endoscope lighting substrate 41 and the third frame 33. Figure 6 As shown, the outer side of the cross section of the front end side of the fifth frame 35 is a substantially D-shaped straight portion toward the channel outlet 152 side, and the outer side of the cross section of the operating portion side is as shown. Figure 7 The holes passing through the fifth frame 35 along the length direction have circular cross sections of uniform thickness.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, two cable grooves 351 extending along the length direction of the fifth frame 35 are provided in the substantially D-shaped curved portion of the fifth frame 35. The two cable grooves 351 are arranged to be substantially symmetrical. Figure 7 The short sides of the rectangular cross-section portion described above are on substantially the same plane.

[0050] return Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the description continues. A lens unit 361 is inserted into the fifth frame 35 from the front end. The lens unit 361 includes a lens frame 364 and a plurality of lenses fixed to the lens frame 364. The edge of the lens at the front end of the lenses constituting the lens unit 361 is arranged to smoothly connect to the edge of the hole in the first frame 31. The observation window 36 is the outer surface of the lens located at the front end.

[0051] The lens unit 361 in this embodiment is a so-called ultra-wide-angle lens with a viewing angle exceeding 150 degrees. It has a large-diameter lens on the front end and a small-diameter lens on the operation panel side. The lens frame 364 is cylindrical with a flange on the front end. The large-diameter front-end lens is fixed to the flange of the lens frame 364, while the small-diameter operation panel lens is fixed to the inner surface of the lens frame 364.

[0052] The imaging unit 362 is located on the operating unit side of the lens unit 361. The imaging unit 362 is a component that secures an imaging element 363, located on the distal end surface, along with a drive circuit and cables connected thereto, into a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The imaging unit 362 includes an imaging cable 365 extending along the operating unit side. The imaging cable 365 is a bundle of multiple cables. The imaging cable 365 is connected to the endoscope processor via the operating unit 20, the universal cord 25, and the connector 24.

[0053] The positional relationship between the lens unit 361 and the imaging unit 362 is adjusted so that light incident on the lens unit 361 forms an image on the imaging element 363. The lens unit 361 and the imaging unit 362 constitute an observation optical system of the endoscope 10.

[0054] The first frame 31 is provided with through holes corresponding to the channel outlet 152, the air and water supply nozzle 37, and the front water supply hole 38. Figure 4 As shown, the through hole corresponding to the channel outlet 152 is a stepped hole with a larger inner diameter on the operating portion side, and is connected to the channel tube 151 .

[0055] Although not shown, a front water supply pipe is connected to the through hole corresponding to the front water supply hole 38. In the through hole corresponding to the air and water supply nozzle 37, the front side is installed with the air and water supply nozzle 37, and the operation part side is installed with the air supply pipe and water supply pipe.

[0056] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 . Figure 9 It is a front view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 .

[0057] As described above, the endoscope illumination board 41 is annular. A substantially D-shaped imaging hole 411 is provided in the center of the endoscope illumination board 41. A substantially arc-shaped channel recess 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the imaging hole 411 of the endoscope illumination board 41 near the linear portion.

[0058] The endoscope lighting board 41 is a so-called multilayer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) composed of a plurality of wiring layers and insulating layers. The endoscope lighting board 41 includes a first layer 61 and a second layer 62. One or both of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may include multiple wiring layers and insulating layers.

[0059] Eight first light emitting elements 51 are mounted on the first layer 61 at substantially equal intervals along the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41. The channel recess 412 is disposed between two adjacent first light emitting elements 51.

[0060] Three wiring trays 44 are disposed between the second and third first light emitting elements 51 on both sides of the channel recess 412. The two wiring trays 44 are disposed facing each other across the imaging hole 411. The wiring trays 44 are an example of a cable connection portion in this embodiment.

[0061] The second layer 62 is stacked on the first layer 61 except for the position and vicinity where the first light-emitting element 51 is mounted, and the position and vicinity where the wiring board 44 is arranged. Near the position where the first light-emitting element 51 is mounted, the end surface of the second layer 62 surrounds the first light-emitting element 51, forming a U-shaped wall 621 that opens on the outer peripheral side of the endoscope illumination substrate 41.

[0062] Near the position where the wiring boards 44 are arranged, the end surface of the second layer 62 surrounds the three wiring boards 44 to form a U-shaped connection wall surface 432 that opens on the inner peripheral side of the endoscope illumination board 41 .

[0063] Four second light-emitting units 529 are arranged in the second layer 62. The second light-emitting units 529 include a green light-emitting element 521 and a purple light-emitting element 522, which are adjacently arranged along the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41. A second light-emitting unit 529 is arranged at an interval between two adjacent first light-emitting elements 51. Neither the channel recess 412 nor the wiring tray 44 is located at the location where the second light-emitting units 529 are arranged.

[0064] Each first light emitting element 51 is disposed substantially equidistant from the optical axis of the observation optical system formed by the imaging unit 362 and the lens unit 361. Each second light emitting unit 529 is also disposed substantially equidistant from the optical axis of the observation optical system formed by the imaging unit 362 and the lens unit 361.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is assembled into the endoscope 10 in a state where the mounting surface on which the light emitting elements 50 such as the first light emitting element 51 are mounted faces the distal end side.

[0066] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope lighting substrate 41 taken along line XX. Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope lighting substrate 41 taken along line XI-XI. Figure 12 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope lighting substrate 41 taken along line XII-XII.

[0067] Figure 10 The cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is shown, including two first light emitting units 519 and a second light emitting unit 529 disposed therebetween, and is cut along an arc-shaped curve substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 . Figure 11 The cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is shown when it is cut along a plane extending in the radial direction and passing through one first light emitting portion 519 . Figure 12 The cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is shown when it is cut along a plane extending in the radial direction and passing through one green light emitting element 521 .

[0068] exist Figures 10 to 12 In FIG. 4 , the internal structure of the light emitting element 50 , the stacked structure of the wiring layer and the insulating layer constituting the endoscope illumination substrate 41 , and the wiring pattern provided on the wiring layer are omitted from illustration.

[0069] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first light-emitting element 51 is covered by the fluorescent resin 511 that fills the space enclosed by the U-shaped wall 621, the first layer 61, the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope illumination substrate 41, and the main surface extension of the second layer 62. In other words, the fluorescent resin 511 is embedded in the second layer 62. The first light-emitting portion 519 of this embodiment is composed of the first light-emitting element 51 and the fluorescent resin 511.

[0070] like Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, each light emitting element 50 constituting the second light emitting portion 529 is mounted on the surface of the second layer 62. That is, each light emitting element 50 constituting the second light emitting portion 529 is arranged closer to the surface of the fluorescent resin 511. Figures 10 to 12 The upper side of the middle.

[0071] Although not shown in the drawings, wiring for connecting the pads and the wiring pads 44 is formed on the endoscope lighting substrate 41 , and the light emitting elements 50 are mounted on the pads, respectively.

[0072] return Figure 7 , continue the description. The lighting cable 332 extends from the endoscope processor to the front end portion 13 via the connector portion 24, the universal cord 25 and the operation portion 20. The lighting cable 332 is a bundle formed by a plurality of cables. Figure 7 , the lighting cable 332 is arranged on the left side of the fifth frame 35 .

[0073] At the front end 13, the lighting cable 332 is divided into two cable bundles. One cable bundle is connected to the Figure 6 The cable trough 351 on the left side is led out to the vicinity of the left wiring tray 44. Another cable bundle is looped in the roughly U-shaped wiring trough 331 set on the third frame 33 and then passes through Figure 6 The cable duct 351 on the middle right side is led out to the vicinity of the right distribution board 44 .

[0074] The individual wires constituting the lighting cable 332 are connected to the wiring board 44 by any method such as welding. Figure 6 , illustration of wires connected to the respective wiring boards 44 is omitted. Light emission of the light emitting element 50 is controlled via the lighting cable 332 by the endoscope processor.

[0075] The fluorescent resin 511 is described below. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting unit 519 is a so-called light source for observation with ordinary light, and the second light-emitting unit 529 is a so-called light source for observation with special light. For observation with ordinary light, broadband white light is used as illumination. However, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are narrowband light-emitting elements that emit light with a relatively narrow bandwidth.

[0076] Technology has been developed to produce broadband white light by irradiating a phosphor with narrowband light emitted from a semiconductor light-emitting element and then mixing and emitting the resulting fluorescence with the light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element. For example, it is known that white light can be produced using the combinations shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] serial number Color of the light-emitting element Color of phosphor 1 blue yellow 2 Near-ultraviolet light Red+Green+Blue

[0079] In this embodiment, the first light emitting element 51 is described using combination No. 1 as an example. That is, the fluorescent resin 511 in this embodiment is a resin in which a yellow phosphor is mixed with a light-transmitting resin, and the first light emitting element 51 is a blue LED.

[0080] In addition, the color of the light emitting element 50 and the color of the phosphor may be the combination of No. 2 in Table 1, or any other combination that can obtain illumination light suitable for observation under ordinary light.

[0081] The following describes the special light observation illumination light emitted by the second light emitting unit 529. Special light observation is a technique that uses narrow-band illumination light to highlight, for example, blood vessels that penetrate deep into the mucosa. For example, a method using the illumination light shown in Table 2 has been proposed.

[0082] [Table 2]

[0083] serial number Color of the light-emitting element 1 Blue + green combination 2 Purple 3 Green + purple combination 4 Combination of blue + green + red

[0084] Each color shown in Table 2 is preferably a narrow-band light. The second light emitting unit 529 can use a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or a semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, the No. 3 combination (using a green light emitting element 521 and a purple light emitting element 522) is used as an example for description.

[0085] return Figure 10 To continue, for observation under normal light, the first light-emitting element 51 is illuminated, while the light-emitting element 50 constituting the second light-emitting unit 529 is extinguished. Light emitted from the first light-emitting element 51 is converted to white light by the phosphor in the fluorescent resin 511 and irradiated forward and to the sides through the illumination window 39. In other words, the first light-emitting unit 519 emits illumination light for observation under normal light.

[0086] When special light observation is performed, the first light emitting element 51 is turned off and the light emitting element 50 constituting the second light emitting portion 529 is turned on. Light emitted from the second light emitting portion 529 is irradiated forward and sideways from the illumination window 39.

[0087] If the light emitted from the second light emitting portion 529 enters the fluorescent resin 511, crosstalk occurs and the fluorescent resin 511 emits light. That is, even during special light observation, the first light emitting portion 519 is in a pseudo-lighting state.

[0088] However, as described above, the light-emitting element 50 constituting the second light-emitting portion 529 is mounted on the surface of the second layer 62. Light emitted from the second light-emitting portion 529 does not enter the fluorescent resin 511, but remains embedded in the second layer 62. This prevents or suppresses crosstalk, in which light emitted from the second light-emitting portion 529 enters the fluorescent resin 511 and emits light.

[0089] According to this embodiment, an endoscope 10 that prevents crosstalk between multiple light emitting units can be provided. Since white observation illumination light does not cause crosstalk with special light observation illumination, image quality during special light observation is improved.

[0090] According to this embodiment, since the light emitted from the side surfaces of the light emitting element 50 disposed around the observation window 36 is not blocked, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that illuminates all the way to the sides of the insertion portion 14. Since the illumination light reaches the edge of the observation field using the wide-angle observation optical system, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that can observe a wide field of view.

[0091] The U-shaped wall 621 may be formed on a surface with high reflectivity by polishing or forming a metal film, etc. An endoscope 10 can be provided in which the white light emitted from the first light emitting unit 519 can brightly illuminate the side of the insertion portion 14 .

[0092] Since the first light emitting units 519 and the second light emitting units 529 are evenly arranged around the observation window 36, an endoscope 10 with less uneven brightness can be provided. Since the green light emitting element 521 and the purple light emitting element 522 are arranged adjacent to each other, an endoscope 10 with less uneven color of the special light observation illumination can be provided.

[0093] Since the U-shaped concave lens is formed on the inner surface of the first frame 31, the light emitted from the first light emitting portion 519 and the second light emitting portion 529 is diffused. This makes it possible to provide an endoscope 10 that can illuminate a wide range.

[0094] Furthermore, the shape of the lens formed on the inner surface of the first frame 31 may be different between the portion facing the first light-emitting portion 519 and the portion facing the second light-emitting portion 529. For example, the lens on the inner surface of the first frame 31 may be formed so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting portion 519 is diffused over a wide area, while the light emitted from the second light-emitting portion 529 is emitted strongly toward the front of the insertion portion 14.

[0095] When using the endoscope 10 with a wide-angle observation field of view, such as in the present embodiment, the illumination light for normal light observation must be irradiated to the sides of the insertion portion 14. The user can observe a wide range simultaneously and find the lesion site.

[0096] When performing special light observation during endoscopic examination, the user operates the endoscope 10 to ensure that the area of ​​interest is in the center of the endoscope's field of view. Therefore, the special light observation illumination light emitted by the second light-emitting unit 529 preferably focuses on illuminating the center of the field of view. By ensuring that the illumination light does not spread to the periphery of the field of view, the center of the field of view can be brightly illuminated.

[0097] By ensuring that the light emitted from the first light emitting portion 519 is diffused over a wider range and the light emitted from the second light emitting portion 529 is emitted strongly toward the front of the insertion portion 14, an endoscope 10 can be provided that illuminates the ranges suitable for ordinary light observation and special light observation, respectively.

[0098] Since the channel recess 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41, the observation window 36 and the channel outlet 152 can be arranged adjacent to each other. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the distal end portion 13 is reduced in diameter.

[0099] Furthermore, the endoscope 10 may be disassembled for each case, and any components such as the endoscope illumination substrate 41 , the lens unit 361 , and the imaging unit 362 may be reused as appropriate.

[0100] [Implementation Method 2]

[0101] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a semiconductor light emitting element and a phosphor are sealed in a single package, and a so-called white light emitting element is used as the first light emitting element 51. Description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0102] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 Represents Figure 10 Local section at the same location.

[0103] Since the semiconductor light emitting element and phosphor are packaged, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first light-emitting element 51 of this embodiment is larger than the green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522.

[0104] The first light emitting element 51 is mounted on the first layer 61. With the surface of the first layer 61 as a reference, the height T1 to the surface of the second layer 62 is higher than the height T2 of the first light emitting element 51. Figure 13 As shown by the arrows in , even when using a green light-emitting element 521 and a purple light-emitting element 522 that emit light in a direction parallel to the mounting surface and have a very wide orientation angle, the illumination light emitted from these light-emitting elements 50 will not cause crosstalk with the first light-emitting element 51.

[0105] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 14 Represents Figure 10 Local section at the same location.

[0106] exist Figure 14In the modified example shown, the height T1 to the surface of the second layer 62 is lower than the height T2 of the first light emitting element 51. However, the orientation angle of the semiconductor light emitting element is generally narrower than that of a light emitting body such as a light bulb. Therefore, almost no light is emitted. Figure 14 The dashed line shows the light in the direction parallel to the mounting surface.

[0107] Therefore, if Figure 14 As shown, even if the height T1 is lower than the height T2 , crosstalk of the first light emitting element 51 can still be prevented.

[0108] According to this embodiment, a commercially available white light emitting element can be used as the first light emitting element 51. After the first light emitting element 51 is mounted, it is not necessary to cover it with the fluorescent resin 511, so the assembly of the endoscope illumination board 41 is easy.

[0109] [Implementation Method 3]

[0110] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a light emitting element 50 constituting a second light emitting portion 529 is mounted via a spacer 527. Description of portions common to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0111] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to a third embodiment. Figure 15 Represents Figure 10 Local section at the same location.

[0112] In this embodiment, the green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522 are mounted on the first layer 61 via a spacer 527. The spacer 527 is, for example, pre-mounted on the green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522 to form an integral unit. Alternatively, the green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522 may be pre-mounted on a single spacer 527.

[0113] In either case, the light-emitting element 50 is connected to the wiring pattern provided in the first layer 61 via the connecting member provided in the spacer 527. Alternatively, the first light-emitting element 51 and the spacer 527 may be mounted on the first layer 61, and then the green light-emitting element 521 and the violet light-emitting element 522 may be mounted on the spacer 527.

[0114] According to the present embodiment, since there is no need to stack the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 , the endoscope illumination substrate 41 can be easily manufactured.

[0115] [Implementation Method 4]

[0116] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a support plate 429 is provided on an endoscope illumination substrate 41. Description of parts common to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0117] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 16 Represents Figure 10 Local section at the same location.

[0118] The endoscope illumination substrate 41 of this embodiment is a laminate of a first layer 61, a second layer 62, and a support plate 429. A thin substrate is used for the first layer 61. The first layer 61 may also be a so-called FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) using a polyimide sheet or the like as the insulating layer.

[0119] The second layer 62 is stacked on the mounting surface side of the first layer 61. A support plate 429 is stacked on the surface of the first layer 61 opposite to the mounting surface.

[0120] The support plate 429 supports the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 and prevents breakage due to bending, etc. The support plate 429 is, for example, a metal plate made of copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. Alternatively, the support plate 429 may be a ceramic plate or a resin plate. If the support plate 429 is conductive, an insulating layer without a pattern or the like is placed on the side where the first layer 61 and the support plate 429 meet.

[0121] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is less likely to be broken during assembly work.

[0122] Furthermore, by using a highly thermally conductive material such as metal for the support plate 429, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that can rapidly diffuse the heat generated by the light emitting element 50. Since heat can be rapidly diffused within the endoscope illumination board 41, overheating of the endoscope illumination board 41 can be prevented by disposing a heat sink or cooling element at any position on the endoscope illumination board 41.

[0123] The technical features (structural requirements) described in the various embodiments can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed through the combination.

[0124] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0125] Explanation of symbols

[0126] 10. Endoscope

[0127] 11 Flexible part

[0128] 12 Bend

[0129] 121 Curved Rubber

[0130] 122 bending block

[0131] 13 front end

[0132] 14 Insertion

[0133] 15 channels

[0134] 151 channel tube

[0135] 152 Channel Exit

[0136] 16. Bend stop

[0137] 20 Operation Department

[0138] 21 Bend Knob

[0139] Entrance to Channel 22

[0140] 23 Pliers plug

[0141] 24 Connector

[0142] 25 Universal Cord

[0143] 26 Connector housing

[0144] 27 Observer connector

[0145] 31 First frame

[0146] 311 Protrusion

[0147] 32 Second frame

[0148] 33 Third frame

[0149] 331 Wiring Duct

[0150] 332 Lighting Cable

[0151] 34 Fourth frame

[0152] 35 Fifth Frame

[0153] 351 Cable Tray

[0154] 36 Observation window

[0155] 361 lens unit

[0156] 362 Camera Unit

[0157] 363 Camera Components

[0158] 364 lens frame

[0159] 365 Camera Cable

[0160] 37 Air and water supply nozzles

[0161] 38 front water supply hole

[0162] 39 Lighting Window

[0163] 41 Endoscope lighting substrate

[0164] 411 camera hole

[0165] 412 channel recess

[0166] 429 support plate

[0167] 432 Connection wall

[0168] 44 Distribution Panel

[0169] 50 light-emitting elements

[0170] 51 first light-emitting element

[0171] 511 fluorescent resin

[0172] 519 First Light-Emitting Unit

[0173] 521 green light emitting element

[0174] 522 purple light emitting element

[0175] 527 Spacer

[0176] 529 Second light-emitting unit

[0177] 61 First Floor

[0178] 62 Second Floor

[0179] 621 U-shaped wall.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: The observation window is located at the front end of the insertion part. an illumination unit for illuminating the viewing direction of the observation window, and an endoscope lighting substrate disposed in the thickness direction in the field of view of the observation window; The endoscope lighting substrate comprises: A first light emitting element included in a first light emitting portion emitting broadband light is mounted on a first layer on the first surface, and A second layer is stacked on the surface on the front end side, wherein a second light-emitting element included in a second light-emitting portion emitting narrow-band light is mounted on the front end side, and the second layer surrounds the first light-emitting element to form a U-shaped wall with an opening on the outer peripheral side of the endoscope lighting substrate. The illumination light emitted from the first light emitting portion is emitted not only in the field of view direction of the observation window but also laterally of the endoscope illumination substrate via a portion of the U-shaped wall that opens to the outer peripheral side of the endoscope illumination substrate.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The first light-emitting portion includes, in addition to the first light-emitting element, a phosphor-containing resin covering the first light-emitting element.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The first light-emitting element is a white light-emitting element.

4. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second light emitting element includes a purple light emitting element or a green light emitting element.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second light-emitting element includes a blue light-emitting element or a green light-emitting element.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There are multiple first light emitting units arranged around the observation window. The second light emitting portion is disposed between the first light emitting portions.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein: The first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion are respectively arranged at equal distances from the optical axis of the observation window.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second layer is a spacer disposed between the first layer and the second light-emitting element.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The illumination substrate for endoscope In the shape of a ring surrounding the observation window, The mounting surface side includes a cable connection portion disposed along an edge of a hole surrounding the observation window.

10. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The endoscope illumination substrate has an arc-shaped recessed portion in a peripheral portion.

11. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The illumination substrate for endoscope A support plate is included and is laminated on the second side of the first layer.

Images